Cheika stands by Folau

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is standing by Israel Folau, refusing to take issue with his match-winning fullback's homophobic online posts.

TJ Perenara Photo: Photosport

Speaking for the first time since Folau sparked a storm of controversy six weeks ago with with the first of a series of anti-gay posts, Cheika said anyone who disagreed with his religious beliefs - including homosexuals - should ignore them.

The code-hopping superstar has suffered widespread backlash for publicising his extreme views, with the Wallabies' major sponsor Qantas outraged and others including All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara pointing out Folau's profound influence on vulnerable youngsters.

Cheika, though, refused to be critical of the devout Christian when asked what would be his message to Folau if he was "a young gay rugby boy who's ever read Izzy's posts and wondering if he'd ever belong in rugby or in life".

"There's been a lot made of [this]," Cheika said on Fox Sports' Kick and Chase program.

"Self-esteem in people, no matter who they are, is extremely important - self belief, self esteem - and if that's something that you don't agree with, then you detach from that.

"That way it'll be, 'he's no longer my idol' if that's the case, if that effects [me] like that."